Apuleius, The Golden Ass Books 5-8 Study Questions

Be prepared to identify: Haemus, Tlepolemus, Thrasyllus, Philebus

Book 5

1.What does Psyche have in common with Lucius?

2. What does her story have in common with the Greek love romances?

3. Why does Venus persecute Psyche so cruelly?

4. What are Psyche's new surroundings like?

5. What warnings does she receive? Why does she ignore them?

6. What motivates her sisters?

7. What is Psyche's weakness?

8. How is Psyche punished for her transgression?

Book 6

1. How does Venus react to the news of Cupid's wound?

2. What do the four trials of Psyche demonstrate about her?

3. How is Cupid characterized in this story?

4. How are Cupid and Psyche reunited?

5. How can we interpret the happy ending of Psyche's story?

6. What frustrates Lucius as he hears the story of Cupid and Psyche?

7. What rewards does Charite promise the ass if he brings her safely home?

8. How do the robbers plan to punish Charite and the ass?

Book 7

1. What information is given by the newcomer robber?

2. How does Lucius characterize Fortune?

3. How is the new recruit Haemus described? How does he introduce himself?

4. What is the role of disguise in Haemus' story?

5. What prompts Lucius to scorn Charite?

6. How does he learn his mistake?

7. How is Lucius rewarded for his part in Charite's escape?

8. What accusation does the cruel boy make against Lucius and what is the resulting threat?

Book 8

1. What is the function of the story of Thrasyllus?

2. How has the episode with the dogs on the road been foreshadowed?

3. Does the tale of the boy in the pit have any parallels?

4. What impression of religious cults does Philebus give the reader?

5. What threat does this cult present to Lucius?

6. What transformation threatens Lucius at the end of this book?